A French representative in the European Parliament has boldly criticized the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump and demanded the return of the Statue of Liberty, a present originally bestowed upon America by France.
“We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty,’” Raphael Glucksmann announced to supporters of his center-left Place Publique party during a gathering on Sunday.
“We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home,” he went on to say about the famous monument that was unveiled in New York Harbor in 1886 to mark the hundredth anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Glucksmann further remarked that America holds the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French populace, in contempt.
Glucksmann also directed comments toward U.S.-based scientists affected by the slashing of federally supported research initiatives by billionaire Elon Musk, enabled by Trump, through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.
“If you want to fire your best researchers — those who, through their freedom, innovation, and pursuit of knowledge, helped make your country the world’s leading power — then we’re going to welcome them,” Glucksmann proclaimed.
The Statue of Liberty was revealed in New York City’s harbour on October 28, 1886, to celebrate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence as a present from the French people to America. It was crafted by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
